CUSTOM HOME PLANS
Build What You’ve Always Wanted
Designing a custom home is your chance to create a space that truly reflects your vision, values, and lifestyle. Whether you’re starting with a clean slate or building around a unique piece of land, every great home begins with a smart, code-compliant plan.
At QuickenPlans, we turn your ideas into buildable, permit-ready plans—combining thoughtful design, experienced engineering, and a streamlined process that keeps your goals front and center. We’ll help you navigate local requirements, optimize your layout, and create a plan that works for your site, your budget, and your life.
From compact custom builds to full-scale estates, our team is here to help you design it right from the start—so you can build with confidence.
Custom Design
Your plans shouldn’t come from a template.
We design around you — your goals, your vision, your space.
Property Fit
We don’t force designs to fit.
We tailor every layout to work seamlessly with your lot and home.
Expert Craftsmanship
Our experienced team brings accuracy and care to every detail.
Quality is at the core of everything we do.
Turn-key Service
From first sketch to final plan set, we’ve got your back.
Clear guidance, every step of the way.
Build Smart. Live Better.
Custom ADU Plans Designed for Real Life
HOW IT WORKS
Process, Price and Timeframe
HOW IT WORKS
Process, Pricing and Timeline
Design and Permitting Process
Designing a custom home is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At QuickenPlans, we guide you through a clear, collaborative process designed to simplify decisions and keep your project moving forward. Here’s what to expect:
1. Site Analysis & Due Diligence
We start by reviewing your lot details, local zoning, and applicable codes to understand what’s possible on your site. From slope and setbacks to height limits and utility access, this gives us a smart foundation for the design.
2. Design Kick-Off
We’ll meet to talk through your goals, inspiration, and must-haves. Whether you’re building your forever home or a high-performance investment property, this is where we align on vision, lifestyle, and long-term priorities.
3. Concept Design Development
With your input, our team begins shaping the layout and flow of your home. You’ll review concept drafts and provide feedback as we refine each version until the design feels just right.
4. Permitting Set of Plans
Once the concept is approved, we prepare your full permit-ready plan set—building design drawings, structural plans, and calculations included—ready for submittal to your local building department.
5. Plan Review & Permitting
We assist with submittal and stay on top of the review process. If revisions are requested, we handle those promptly and work with the city to move your project through approval as efficiently as possible.
6. Construction
Even after your permit is issued, we remain available to support your contractor with design clarifications and engineering adjustments. Our goal is to help you build exactly what we designed—no confusion, no delays.
How Much Does It Cost?
Designing a custom home is a major investment—and we believe the pricing for your plans should be clear and predictable. That’s why we work on a flat-fee basis, with pricing based on project scope—not a percentage of your total construction budget.
Many architects charge 4–7% of the construction value for design services. At QuickenPlans, we offer transparent, fixed pricing based on what your project actually requires. No guesswork. No inflated fees.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence the overall design and engineering cost of your ADU:
• Location: Local codes, HOA rules, and permitting complexity can all influence scope.
• Size & Layout: Larger homes or multi-level designs typically require more planning and coordination.
• Design Complexity:
- Straightforward builds with simple layouts are more efficient to plan.
- Custom layouts, premium features, or unique conditions increase design complexity.
• Construction Methods: Advanced techniques or high-end finishes may increase planning requirements.
• Site Conditions: Sloped lots, narrow parcels, or utility challenges may require additional planning or engineering.
What’s the Price Range?
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
• Mid-size, straightforward homes – $25,000–$30,000
• Larger or more complex projects – $40,000+
This includes complete building design and structural engineering services, energy compliance documentation (if required), and a full permit-ready plan set. Site surveys, grading plans, or civil engineering (if needed) are not included.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
Every property and project is different. That’s why the best way to get a clear cost estimate is to book a consultation. We’ll review your goals, site details, and timeline—and provide a tailored proposal that reflects the real scope of your project.
Timeline & What You’ll Get
When planning a custom home, it’s important to understand the full scope—how long it takes and what’s included. At QuickenPlans, we balance thoughtful design with efficient execution, so your plans are complete, coordinated, and ready to move forward.
How Long Does It Take?
The design process is a true collaboration. We work quickly on our end while relying on timely decisions and feedback from you to stay on schedule. Here’s a general outline:
• First Concept Design:
After your design kick-off meeting, we’ll deliver your first concept iteration within 10–15 business days. This is the first time you’ll see your vision start to take shape.
• Full Plan Set:
Most custom home projects are completed in 4–6 months, depending on project complexity and communication pace.
What’s Included?
Deliverables may vary slightly based on your local regulations, but here’s what’s typically included in a full custom plan set:
• Floor Plan – Interior layout with room dimensions, doors, windows, and fixtures.
• Elevations – Exterior views from all sides, showing windows, rooflines, and finish details.
• Sections – Cross-sectional views that show how different levels and spaces relate.
• Roof Plan – Roof design with slopes, materials, and any skylights or special features.
• Basic MEP Layout – Placement of visible Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing fixtures.
• Construction Details – Key details like wall assemblies, connections, etc.
• Structural Drawings & Calculations (for structural remodels) – Foundation, framing, and structural specs, prepared and stamped by one of our in-house licensed engineers, ready for review by building officials.
• Energy Compliance Report – Required in many areas, this ensures your project meets current energy efficiency standards.
Let’s Make It Happen
We take your vision seriously—and make the process clear, collaborative, and predictable. Let’s bring your custom home to life, one well-designed step at a time.
Ready to take the next step?
WHY CHOOSE US
QuickenPlans: Real Expertise. Real Accountability. No Guesswork.
Licensed Staff
Our in-house Structural Engineers are fully licensed and in good standing with the State of California.
Don’t leave safety to chance — work with a team that knows the codes inside and out.
Fully Insured
We carry General Liability, Professional Liability and Errors & Omissions insurance, so your project is protected from day one.
It’s coverage you can count on.
Revisions Covered
We cover all revisions requested by the plan reviewer—as long as they relate to the original design scope.
No surprise fees, no runaround. We’ll get it right while keeping your budget intact.
CLIENTS REVIEW
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
We don’t just talk the talk — our clients say it better than we ever could.
For many years I have been working with the architectural & structural engineers at QuickenPlans. Because I have been in this business for more than 40 years I can honestly let you know that you will not find a different construction document business with as much integrity, transparency, communication, and efficiency as QuickenPlans.
Donna K. | San Diego
As someone who’s very picky (and honestly a little skeptical) when it comes to architects and designers, I have to say QuickenPlans genuinely surprised me. The transparency, competence, and patience they showed throughout designing our custom home were impressive. They coordinated seamlessly with our builder, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Great job, thoroughly impressed.
Nathaniel K. | Riverside, CA
Choosing QuickenPlans for our project was the smartest move we’ve made. I’m not the most patient guy, but they were always one step ahead, taking care of the annoying paperwork and city requirements. They even recommended ways we could build smarter to save some cash on materials. Can’t thank ’em enough, these guys rock!
Mike P. | Huntington Beach, CA
Can’t say enough about how awesome the QuickenPlans crew is. Their engineers and project managers genuinely cared about my project -always patient, always clear, and they made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. It’s rare to see a group of pros who also feel like they’re personally invested in your home’s success. Big thumbs up.
Matt R. | Ventura, CA
I had a consultation for my room addition project with Quickenplans recently- they were recommended by my neighbor who did his addition with them. Those guys really know their stuff, very detailed and have a lot of experience with design and permitting. We're still deciding on the project but if we move forward we would go with them.
Max S. | San Jose, CA
We had experience of working with QuickenPlans to get our plans done. Fast, very convenient and accurate. Highly recommend!
Dmitry K. | Santa Clara, CA
Amazing service. Great Value for the price. The team is knowledgable, helpful, and communicative. Use them for multiple projects, big and small.
Dee C. | Carlsbad, CA
Very helpful in providing professional feedback. I would definitely recommend them.
Mina K. | Fremont, CA
Our client received a violation notice from the city for an unpermitted structure. The guys from QuickenPlans helped us put together a set of plans for legalization and advised on how to address the city’s comments.
Xavier S. | Los Angeles, CA
My contractor recommended hiring QuickenPlans for our remodeling project as his designer was unavailable. It was hard for us to quickly get up to speed with all the details about the plans and permits (it is so cumbersome!), but the team did a great job guiding us through all the steps. They even coordinated the design with our contractor so we could stay on budget. They also recommended making some changes to our initial design to save on framing. While I wouldn’t want to go through the permitting process again, if I had to, I’d prefer to do it with QuickenPlans.
Joanne S. | Santa Monica, CA
We are working on a custom home design with Quickenplans. All is good so far; we hope to get through to the finish line soon.
Sathya I. | Los Altos Hills, CA
We just kicked off a big renovation and chose QuickenPlans for the design work. Honestly, I was really impressed right from our first chat. They made sense of all the zoning stuff and helped us figure out what we could do with the space. They were super patient and quick to answer our endless questions. We’re pretty excited to see everything come together with the final plans they whipped up for us!
Nathan S. | Los Angeles, CA
We use them regularly for as-built plans and construction docs for our projects in the South Bay and Peninsula—they always deliver big time.
Dennis A. | Oakland, CA
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need plans for my Custom Home?
Plans aren’t just a formality—they’re a requirement. You’ll need a full set of plans to get your permit and legally remodel your space. Permits protect your investment and your property value. Unpermitted work can lead to fines, failed inspections, or even issues with refinancing or selling. Our plan sets include everything you need for smooth approvals and construction—framing, foundation, structural calculations, and more.
How long does the design process take?
Most Custom Home design projects take about 4-6 months from the initial consultation to the final plan set. Your timeline will depend on the complexity of the project and how quickly we receive your feedback. After the design kick-off, we typically deliver your first concept within 10–15 business days.
What factors influence the cost of a Custom Home design?
A few key factors influence the total cost of your custom home plans—like the size of the home, number of stories, site conditions, and overall design complexity. Local permitting requirements can also impact the scope. Pricing for a full set of Custom Home Plans typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000+, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
What’s included in the Custom Home plans?
We provide a full set of construction-ready documents, including:
- Site Plan
- Floor Plan
- Elevations
- Cross Sections
- Roof Plan
- Basic MEP Layout
- Construction Details and Schedules
- Structural Drawings & Calculations (for structural remodels)
- Energy Report (when required)
These are the documents typically needed to get your permit and start building. Your local permitting authorities may require additional studies and engineering, please check with them first.
Will I need anything else for a permit?
In most cases, our plans cover all core requirements. That said, some properties may require additional site studies like boundary surveys, geotechnical reports, or arborist evaluations. Your local jurisdiction will determine what’s needed. Also, note that our pricing does not include city permitting fees or third-party study costs. Please consult with local permitting authorities first.
Can I request design changes after the first concept?
Yes, absolutely! Your input is a key part of the process. We’ll review your feedback after the first concept and refine the design until it aligns with your vision and meets code requirements.
Can you help me find a contractor?
Yes, we’re happy to connect you with reputable contractors who serve your area. Many of our clients are professional builders, and we’re always glad to make introductions. While we don’t provide construction services ourselves, we can help you review contractor quotes to make sure the scope is complete.
Will you work with my contractor during the project?
Definitely! In fact, we encourage involving your contractor early—especially during the Concept Design phase. Their feedback helps ensure the design is buildable, efficient, and budget-conscious. We’re always available to support them with questions about the plans.
My previous designer dropped the ball—can you take over?
Unfortunately, we hear this a lot. Many homeowners come to us after a vendor abandoned the project mid-way. While every situation is different, we’ll do our best to step in and get things back on track. Send us what you have so far, and we’ll take it from there. Signed release form is required.
Do you offer special terms for contractors or design pros?
We sure do. If you’re a contractor looking to offer design-build services—or you’re just tired of unreliable design vendors—we can help. We offer special rates and white-label services to Pro clients. We also support design professionals with CAD production, As-Builts, 3D modeling, and engineering. Let’s talk—we’re here to make your workflow smoother.
What if the city requires changes after plan submittal?
If your city plan reviewer requests revisions that are within the original design scope, we’ll make the changes—no extra cost. We’ve got you covered.
If the revisions go beyond the original scope or require additional design or engineering work, we’ll still handle it—at a discounted rate.
Can you help with design ideas or layout options before I commit?
Absolutely. If you’re still figuring out what would work best for your space, we’re happy to provide layout suggestions or talk through design options during your free consultation.